Don’t Cry If You Love Me

Don’t cry if you love me
Death is nothing
I just went to the other side.
I am I, You are You
As we were to one another
We will always be.
Call me as you always call me.
Talk to me as you always did.
Don’t change the tone of your voice.
Don’t be sombre or sad.
Keep laughing at what we used to laugh together.
Pray, smile, think of me, pray with me.
At home, let my name sound
As it always did.
With no fuss, no shadow.
Life still means what it has always meant.
It’s what it has always been: the thread isn’t cut.
Why should I be out of your mind
Just because I am out of sight ?
I’m not far, just on the other side of the path.
All is fine, you see.
Soon, you will know how to reach my heart.
Soon, you will feel my love again.
Wipe your tears and don’t cry if you love me.
Saint Augustine

❤️ Much love, peace and blessings to Mark, Laura, Rowan, Keira, John, Mainland, Scott and the rest of the family and friends. A big hug to all from Chile ❤️

Even though today one year has passed Mark since you left this plane according to Earth time, you are always in our minds and hearts feeling your presence that thanks God lives on Earth and beyond it … thanks Mark for continuing been part of our lives for all the love and care you sow here on Earth… we love you thru eternity

I would like to share a story about Mark that expresses the essence of who he was to me. This happened several months after my husband Mike died. Mike and Mark were first cousins.  I was attending a get-together at Mark and Laura’s home and some of the guests were long time family friends from out of town. I was chatting with one of the friends along with Mark. At one point in the conversation, the gentleman asked me how I knew Mark and his family. I started to go into an explanation, but Mark simply interrupted and said, “She’s our cousin.”. It was the most loving and caring gesture. It made me feel a part of his family and eased my grief that day. I still tear up when I think about it and I will never forget it. 
Mark had an astute sensitivity and huge generous compassion for others. I still feel the gift of that love today. Thank you, Mark, for the beautiful gift of your life.

John and Mailand, I’ve been thinking about you and Laura and the children since I saw Mark had passed away. I can’t imagine the kind of loss you all must be feeling. I still remember Mark as I first met him in Dallas way back in 1980! What a lively, smart and beautiful kid. Hard to imagine Mark is no longer with you. Reading all of the wonderful tributes it’s clear he touched so many people in a very special way. Bill

The stories, tributes, and photos you all have left have been truly heart warming in a time of unimaginable grief. Please consider attending the Celebration of Life for Mark the weekend of June 29-30 in Boulder, CO. More details at https://www.facebook.com/events/573671649789074/

Selfless fortitude - those are words I think of when I remember Mark. He was a dear friend and running partner. He was kind-hearted, generous and someone you knew you could always count on. I remember when I was going through a bad time and depressed, he showed up at the crack of dawn and dragged me out for a 10-mile race that I hadn't even signed up for. It happened to be the most therapeutic run I can remember. He had endless passion for life and his determination was contagious. We ran many many miles together and he taught me from the first day that I could always go one more step, even though I didn't think I could. If he could run marathons after recovering from a shattered pelvis, I could do anything. He had no barriers. He broke through every one almost effortlessly with no excuses. He is a benchmark in my life - he will live on in our hearts and minds, and with every extra running step I take. My heart breaks for a beautiful life lost too early. My love and healing energy are with your family.

Gear Management - how many people haven’t lost a glove, a pole, a phone, because Mark always preached gear management. Thanks Mark for being such a wise teacher in the backcountry. I’ll alway be thinking of you when I’m out there. Miss ya Mark!

Mark was such a dear friend to Aaron, and I feel fortunate that I got to know him (and Laura) since moving out to Colorado. I think back to the last time I saw Mark and the fun we all had during the Wyoming camping trip to see the Eclipse. I will always remember Mark's loving, joyous spirit - so full of life. My deepest sympathies to Laura and the entire family and many friends and others whose lives he touched. A huge loss for the world.

Mark was not only a great friend of our son Christian but also of our son Andrew and grandaughter Erika. He was also like a son to us, in the same way that we know that Christian and Andrew are to John and Mailand ... thanks with all our heart and soul.

Mark blessed so much our lives with his loving, kind, caring and sweet Presence, as well as he enriched it with his a great sense of humour and a sharp and highly developed mind. When he was Christian’s roommate at the University of Colorado in Boulder, among many other things, we greatly enjoyed the full collection of taped videos he had of all the episodes of Stars Wars that he liked so much and also us.

Thanks Laura for sharing with us your home with Mark to celebrate Mother’s day in May 2017 during our trip from Chile for Erika’ s graduation. It was so beautiful to share with Mark and his most beloved ones: you Laura, Rowland, Kiera, John, Mailand and Scott. May God give you and everyone the strength to carry on with your lives and continue to enjoy them in memory of Mark because we are sure that this is what his soul most desires.

Thanks Mark for being such a an important part of our lives. Have a great and beautiful transition back to the Light and Love from where you came and see you again in eternity.

Thanks ... thanks ... thanks ...
Adolfo & Cristina

Mark was a really great guy, and an old family friend. He was very much loved by me and mine. He will be missed by us all. My condolences to all his family and closest friends. May he rest in peace.

What an incredibly sad loss, my heartfelt thoughts go out to Laura & family. I just can’t wrap my head around this passing. I had the pleasure of working with Mark at Whitewave, we were in different departments but made a genuine friendship over our passion for health through food and ferment. I feel that Mark was one of the most passionate and talented humans to pass though my life. His love for his family ran deeply through his bones, and his bond with his family is soul rooted. He beamed with love for each of his babies and beautiful bride, every day. Mark had an incredibly big heart, and all were attracted to his genuine zest for life and adventures nature. He truly became a great friend, and he will be missed. I’ll be brewing up a batch of beet kavas in his honor, and a winning team photo will be staying up at my desk for years to come. So much love to all who are affected, please reach out if I can help ease the pain in any way.

Laura and Edlin family my deepest heartfelt condolences. I’m lifting you all in prayers now. There was a season where this big loving heart, Mark, was the brother I never had. Life changes happened and we lost touch but I will never forget him. It feels like just yesterday that he was getting all giddy about you Laura, sharing what if’s and maybes about his future. I’m so happy you both found each other. I’m praying a special prayer over you Laura and your precious babies. As for his brothers, his parents, Mailand and Doc, I pray special memories will surface and help carry you through this season of grief and move you to a place of comfort and peace. I’m heartbroken for you all. I pray peace and comfort to rest upon your hearts as you celebrate his life and the awesome memories you had together. Love to you all.

I am so sad just searching for words of comfort to share I love the Edlin family. You are all kind, adventurous, Loving and unique. I pray that Mark's gentleness and kindness lives on in all of us and that Mark's family can find peace with his loss. You are a beautiful family. Rest in Peace Mark.

I grew up with Mark in Dallas at Central Congregational Church so so many years ago. I am so saddened to hear of his way too soon passing. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Laura,
As I was looking for photos to post, I had to smile remembering all of the great adventures I shared with Mark. He is one of the primary people in my life I credit with igniting my love for adventure. I'll never forget taking Mark's "mountaineering course" with all of his Freedom of the Hills reading assignments, meeting up at the park near his condo to learn about tying ropes and practicing glissading on St. Mary's glacier. Thanks to Mark I experienced winter camping (the one and only time I did that!) and nearly got blown off Rainier :) He brought a lot of joy to my life and I will miss him dearly. He was a patient teacher, a caring friend, a loving father, a wonderful husband, and quite simply, an amazing human being who was taken from us too soon. I feel lucky to have known him and will hold on to the memories of the amazing adventures we shared. Please know that I love you and am here to support you in any way that I can.

Mailand & John,
I just saw this and shared it with Christian. Our hearts break for you. Want a terrible shock and tragic loss. Know that we are sending our love and holding you in the light.
Amy & Christian Piatt

I’ve never met Mark, but have heard his father talk about him proudly for years. To his immediate family...despite the great loss of your husband, father or son; we know that God has assigned him to watch over you throughout your entire lives. You have been blessed with a guardian angel. Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that i feel as a result of Marks passing. Let the lord bring you much needed peace during this sad time. A beautiful soul, full of love ascended to heaven, away from us, but closer to God. If he can’t be with us; he is certainly in the best place in the universe. My sincere condolences.

Dear Laura, I am so sorry for your loss. My husband (Mark) and I were shocked to hear the news. Our son Ian goes to school with your son Rowan, and frequently Rowan has sat with Mark and Ian in the morning to do some "jobs" together. Rowan is such a sweet, smart, and caring boy, we want to offer you our support with whatever you may need. You and the rest of your family are in our thoughts.

Laura, I am so sorry. My heart is just broken for you and I wish I could do something to help with your pain. Take care of yourself and those babies. xo, Amy

Dear Laura,
I am deeply saddened to hear of your, your children's, and your family's incomprehensible loss. Words are inadequate at this time, but I have to let you know that you have been and will continue to be in my thoughts.
Wishing you strength and hope.
Sarah

Laura and Family: I am heartbroken for you and your loss. I didn’t know Mark, but anyone who captured your heart in love, must have been one special man! There are no words to express how sad I feel for you all during this time. I am holding you up in my continuous thoughts and prayers for strength and comfort during the coming days.

John, Mailand, Scott and the Edlin family- We are so sorry to hear this awful news of Mark. Our hearts are with you and hope for strength as you face the days ahead! Bless you all, may you find strength in being surrounded by love!!!
The Achten and Russell family!

I only met Mark once, through Scott. But Scott's stories of Mark were bountiful and lively. It's clear that Mark has made a huge impact on many lives. My deepest condolences to the Edlin family for his passing. May he continue to live on in stories and memories!

Thinking about Mark's family during this time. A few memories just keep popping back including the photo group that Mark started with a few of us"aspiring" photographers. He really knew how to bring people together, share tips of the trade and support each other in our hobbies. I look at those times fondly. I also think back to times we've had dinner at Mark and Laura's and mark would have spent the day slow cooking something delicious (those beans!) or making something yummy on the smoker. He set the bar high for some delicious food! Wonderful memories of you, Mark. You sure will be missed.

I am terribly shocked and saddened by this. Mark went with me to my prom my Senior year in high school. We were friends and co-workers at Miller’s Outpost. My prayers are with your family and friends.